The Grill Was Hot But 29 Summer Desserts Were Hotter

The grill may have gotten all the attention, but these 29 summer desserts showed up without the smoke and left a bigger impression. They didn’t need flames to take over the spotlight, just a solid excuse to be part of the lineup. The heat outside didn’t matter once these showed up and made the grill seem like background noise.

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Cool scoops with a touch of chocolate always strike the right balance after a hot meal. Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream blends a refreshing taste with subtle sweetness for a finish that anyone can appreciate. The smooth texture matches perfectly with the burst of rich flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Rainbow Fruit Skewers

Fresh slices stacked in bright colors are always a fun way to eat fruit. Rainbow Fruit Skewers bring together a mix of sweet flavors in a handheld form that’s great for passed plates or casual snacking. The simplicity makes them easy to enjoy without distractions. Keep these close when you need something light yet satisfying after a heavy meal.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Fruit Skewers

Peach Cobbler

Warm desserts with that baked edge always have a place at the table. Peach Cobbler lets the sweetness of fruit shine with its soft filling and golden top. The mix of textures makes it a perfect pairing after heavier entrees from the grill. It’s the kind of dessert that feels homemade with every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Peach Cobbler

Blueberry Cheesecake

Rich and creamy desserts bring a smooth end to any meal. Blueberry Cheesecake has that tangy twist and fruity burst layered over its silky base. It’s a great pick for shaking up traditional flavors with a fresh topping. This dessert stands out but doesn’t overpower, making it a perfect option to round off a meal.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cheesecake

Chocolate Hummus

Sharing something unique grabs everyone’s attention right away. Chocolate Hummus is a smooth and sweet twist that doesn’t feel too heavy or rich. Its creamy texture makes it a versatile dip or pairing for light snacks. Keep this on the table to surprise guests with something unexpected after the main meal.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Hummus

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream

Cold desserts with fruity notes always make people smile. Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream mixes chunks of sweetness with a creamy base for every spoonful. It’s a fun change from other options without feeling overly fancy. Perfect for moments when you want something special but still easygoing.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream

Blueberry Cobbler

Baked fruit desserts bring comfort without overdoing it. Blueberry Cobbler hits the sweet spot with its warm filling and crumbly texture. It has just enough fruity flavor to make each bite refreshing. This dessert keeps it simple while still delivering something memorable after grilled favorites.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cobbler

Melted Ice Cream Pops

Popsicles with a twist add something new to the dessert spread. Melted Ice Cream Pops turn the familiar into a creative treat that works well for casual gatherings. Its portable design makes snacking less messy and more fun. They’re an easy grab when the grill flames settle and you want dessert in hand.
Get the Recipe: Melted Ice Cream Pops

Fruit Pizza

A dessert that combines sweetness with a touch of freshness always feels right. Fruit Pizza is an easy mix of fruit toppings spread over a soft base, bringing balance to each bite. It’s a versatile choice that lets you add color and flavor without going overboard. A great option to pair with grilled dishes when you want lighter choices afterward.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Pizza

Grilled Pineapple

Desserts meet grilling for a unique flavor combination. Grilled Pineapple brings the smoky warmth of grilling to the sweetness of fruit, making both elements pop in every bite. Its caramelized edges and soft texture are hard to overlook. A fun option when you don’t want to leave the grill entirely but still want dessert on the table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple

Dairy Free Ice Cream

Ice cream doesn’t have to rely on traditional options to stand out. Dairy Free Ice Cream creates a creamy finish without the need for dairy, delivering a smooth option that anyone can enjoy. It works as a crowd-pleaser for guests with different preferences. When the grill’s done, this is a go-to dessert to serve.
Get the Recipe: Dairy Free Ice Cream

Lemon Cookies

Cookies with a citrus twist offer something fresh after heavier meals. Lemon Cookies blend subtle sweetness with a touch of brightness that feels refreshing. These handheld desserts work well for grab-and-go style snacking. Perfect for winding down after the grill leaves its mark on the main courses.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cookies

Ice Cream Sandwich

Handheld desserts always draw a smile when served. Ice Cream Sandwich mixes creamy, cold layers with chewy textures that make it fun to eat. It’s both nostalgic and simple enough to fit in with the barbecue table. Everyone enjoys its ease while still making an impression.
Get the Recipe: Ice Cream Sandwich

Key Lime Pie

Tangy desserts hit the mark when you want something smooth yet bright. Key Lime Pie is that mix of tart flavor and creamy base that instantly grabs attention. It’s not too filling but still packs enough flavor to close out the meal in style. A great finish for hot days and cool nights alike.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Pie

Baked Alaska

Desserts that look impressive create memories on their own. Baked Alaska has layers of softness, coolness, and warmth that make it stand out. Its presentation matches the mix of flavors and textures inside. When grilling is over, this is a dessert people will talk about after.
Get the Recipe: Baked Alaska

Strawberry Ice Cream

Fruity ice cream remains a classic pick for dessert spreads. Strawberry Ice Cream delivers chilled sweetness in a form everyone recognizes and enjoys. It’s something easy to scoop and share without feeling like it takes too much effort. This dessert fits perfectly after heavy meals, where cold treats offer balance.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Ice Cream

Kool Aid Pie

Creative twists on pie make every meal feel more casual. Kool Aid Pie offers a bright and chilled finish without the complexity of deep baking. It’s the kind of dessert that keeps things simple but still adds a pop of fun to the table. Always a good option for something lighthearted after heavier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Kool Aid Pie

Strawberry Cake

Cakes with fruity layers work well for dessert spreads. Strawberry Cake adds soft textures and a balanced sweetness in every slice. It’s great for cutting through heavier meals without overpowering the finish of the food. A reliable dessert option when dessert needs to feel fun but not heavy.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cake

Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos

Fun treats always draw people in as desserts. Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos add charm with their look and a sweet bite with every serving. They’re easy to share amid larger spaces or plates of food at crowded spreads. Great for dessert spreads where casual mingling takes center stage.
Get the Recipe: Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos

Strawberry Bread

Simple slices with fruity touches are always welcome. Strawberry Bread offers both a sweet edge and enough heft to make each bite enjoyable. It pairs well alongside grilled meats or main dishes without feeling overdone. A great choice for relaxed gatherings or dessert trays.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Bread

Lemon Cheesecake

Smooth desserts with a bright edge are memorable without being overwhelming. Lemon Cheesecake combines creamy textures with a slight citrus twist for balance. It easily captures attention and works well after barbecue staples that lean toward heavier flavors. Always welcomed as a steady favorite on any table.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cheesecake

Grape Salad

It’s always fun to mix fruit into desserts in unexpected ways. Grape Salad shifts from regular salad into light sweetness with a creative edge. Bringing fruit to the table this way feels casual yet refreshing. Perfect for closing a meal with a hint of something extra without going too far.
Get the Recipe: Grape Salad

Strawberry Cheesecake

Cheesecake with a fruity top always leaves a mark for dessert. Strawberry Cheesecake makes the most of its creamy base and fresh layers on top. It’s just the right balance to follow grilled dishes without being overly filling. Guests look forward to this as a mellow finish.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cheesecake

Lemon Pie

Desserts that balance flavor without being overwhelming always stand out. Lemon Pie mixes a bright edge with creamy textures that make it hard to resist. Its smooth layers feel just light enough after a heavier meal. Something easy to turn to when everyone’s finished with the main dish and wants a bite of something light.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pie

Strawberry Cookies

Bite-sized desserts add variety to the table with very little effort. Strawberry Cookies sneak in a fruity twist with a balanced sweetness that spreads easily across plates. They’re an upbeat way to follow grilled foods without adding weight to the meal. Always great to keep on hand for casual snacking or sharing.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cookies

Tanghulu

Offering desserts with unexpected textures makes sharing more fun. Tanghulu is a mix of sweet and crisp that catches attention right away. This snack isn’t heavy but provides a playful edge to wrap up the gathering. Whether eaten individually or served to share, it brings a light finish to the grill-heavy dishes.
Get the Recipe: Tanghulu

Vanilla Ice Cream

Simple options for ice cream let other flavors or pairings shine. Vanilla Ice Cream remains steady as a top choice due to its mild sweetness and versatile nature. Guests can enjoy it on its own or add it to other desserts for a stand-out finish. A dessert table isn’t complete without this classic option ready to grab.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Ice Cream

Strawberry Pie

Pies filled with fruity sweetness wrap up desserts in such a neat way. Strawberry Pie stands out with its bright filling and soft crust, making every bite enjoyable. It’s easy to serve and works well as a cool treat after heavier grilled meals. Perfect for placing near big gatherings where seconds are likely.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Pie

Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Bars with fruity layers feel fresh without being too rich or heavy. Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars offer a mix of creamy and tangy flavors that catch attention. Their size makes them easy to grab and enjoy while stepping away from the table. Best served as a simple and thoughtful dessert that complements grilled dishes perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars